AMOLATAR — Deputy Resident District Commissioner Obonyo Magwar has described the recent defection of former FDC national legal secretary Moses Junior Okot Bitek to the ruling National Resistance Movement as a significant political gain for the party in Amolatar District, citing the former legislator’s popularity among youth, his legal expertise, and his proven mobilisation skills.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Friday, September 11, 2026, Magwar said Okot Bitek’s decision to cross from the opposition to the NRM was “the right way to go” and would add substantial value to the ruling party’s structures in the district.
“Okot Bitek is a good mobiliser. His connection with the youth through sporting activities, his popularity, and his ability to galvanise the community make him a valuable asset,” Magwar said. “As a former vocal opposition figure who has now joined the NRM, he brings a unique perspective and energy that will strengthen the party.”
The Deputy RDC also highlighted Okot Bitek’s legal background as a resource that could benefit ordinary residents of Amolatar, many of whom face challenges accessing legal services. “His legal training will be of great assistance in helping our people get the legal support they need. He has the intellectual capacity to serve this community well,” Magwar added.
Okot Bitek formally crossed to the NRM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Kampala, where he was received by Secretary General Richard Todwong alongside a delegation of former FDC members from Amolatar, including district leaders and former political contestants. He was accompanied by his mother, Kelle Akuno, an elder in the district, and Amolatar NRM District Chairman Kamilo Olwit.
A former Member of Parliament for Kioga County and one-time national legal secretary of the FDC, Okot Bitek lost his parliamentary seat in the January 2026 General Election to Colline Angwech of the Uganda People’s Congress. His political career included chairing the FDC’s Makerere University chapter before rising to the party’s national legal secretary position.
At his reception, Okot Bitek stated that his experience in the 11th Parliament had convinced him that challenges facing his constituents could be addressed more effectively from within government. “I have come to learn from the best, like the Secretary General and sober people in the NRM,” he said. Todwong assured him and other defectors of full rights and opportunities within the party, confirming that Okot Bitek would be formally registered and free to participate in party activities and seek elective office.
Magwar further called upon all residents of Amolatar District to turn up in large numbers to welcome the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, during his pastoral visit scheduled for September 21, 2026.
“I ask all the people of Amolatar to come out in large numbers and welcome His Grace,” Magwar said. “This is a historic visit for our district, and we must receive him with the warmth and hospitality that Amolatar is known for.”
The Archbishop’s visit will feature a fellowship and sermon at the Centre of Uganda tourism site, with cultural entertainment, exhibitions of local foods, and community activities planned. The event is expected to attract government officials, religious leaders, tourism stakeholders, and other dignitaries. Deputy RDC Magwar has been leading mobilisation efforts ahead of the visit, which is also expected to spotlight Amolatar’s tourism potential.
About Moses Junior Okot Bitek
Moses Junior Okot Bitek is a Ugandan lawyer and politician who served as Member of Parliament for Kioga County in Amolatar District during the 11th Parliament. He previously held the position of national legal secretary for the Forum for Democratic Change and chaired the party’s Makerere University chapter. In January 2025, during President Museveni’s PDM tou
